The word "just" has many meaning - righteous, legitimate, proper, well-founded, barely, only or simply. The music from the Ohio-based Just Bluegrass Band is all of these things, but the story about their moniker is a little more simplistic. After a mistake was made at band practice, banjo player Jeff Blankenship said, "Come on, it's just bluegrass " The band had been named. Formed in 2001, the group includes Lee Surgener (guitar, vocals), Jeff Blankenship (banjo, vocals), Andy Crabtree (dobro, vocals), Don Long (upright bass), and Kevin Crabtree (mandolin, fiddle, vocals). In the last few years of touring, the group has shared stages with the likes of Sam Bush, Tony Trischka, Larry Cordle, Confederate Railroad and Marty Stewart.

Lee Surgenger's experience includes years playing gospel music with The Tackett Family. Then he decided to call Jeff Blankenship about putting a band together. Jeff (and his brother) had played in Rocky Mountain Boys and Flatland Grass, and Jeff's an Ohio and Oklahoma Banjo Champion. To form a serious and professional band, they called on Kevin Crabtree (formerly with Harbor Town and Tug River). The band has since expanded to include Don Long (in 2003) and Kevin's brother, Andy. In early 2002, they met Brad Hamilton, president of Lexington Music Group, who eventually funded and produced the group's first CD, "Road of Illusion." Released in 2002, it established their reputation as a progressive bluegrass band with a fresh sound.

They clearly have considerable talent in the band. Among their strengths, Lee has an impressively powerful and emotionally charged voice. Originally from Kentucky, Jeff is a consummate player with a thorough bluegrass pedigree. He has a solo CD out called "Bluegrass Funk 101" and has been featured in Banjo Newsletter. Kevin's mandolin is more solid and impressive than his fiddling, but he does well on both instruments. He also sings a strong tenor harmony. Holding down the low end, Don's years of experience allow him to be a cornerstone of the band's cohesive sound.

Lee Surgener wrote or co-wrote five originals on "Time." The opener, "Three Little Things," is an uptempo composition cowritten with the band's former bass player, Mike Martin. After Andy's bluesy dobro kickoff, the message has a nice "hook" about two forgotten things but the last thing being goodbye. High, lonesome and driving, the song has become the theme song for the internationally syndicated "Blades Of Blue" radio program. With a distribution deal, the song is getting good airplay throughout the U.S. and U.K.

Other originals include the title track, "Time," with its nostalgic look back and enjoyment of all we're blessed with. Lee also wrote "Someday," a love song for his wife, and "A Kid's Life," a recollection of carefree days of yesteryear. "Your Love is Like a Hurricane" documents a turbulent relationship. Blankenship's instrumental, "River's Edge," incorporates both clawhammer and three-finger style banjo. The Just Bluegrass Band's covers include Bill Monroe's "Blue Moon Of Kentucky" and "Wheel Hoss," Martha Ellis' "I'm Not Broke But Badly Bent," the classic "Father Along," and a red hot version of "Great Balls of Fire." Another song, "Sitting on Top of the World," is one that is oft-played and recorded.

The Just Bluegrass Band shows a great deal of growth in their short time together. They deserve our support and enthusiasm, because they have the potential to go far. Hoping to move beyond being just a regional group, they intend to continue writing songs, recording quality albums, and developing their own sound.  With hard work, dedication and a little luck thown in, The Just Bluegrass Band has what it takes to become a nationally-renown act. (Joe Ross)

THE JUST BLUEGRASS BAND - Time
MMG Records, No number
c/o Don Long, 12524 Co. Rd. 6, Killbuck, Ohio 44637
www.justbluegrass.com
Playing Time - 34:36